Photographs are
the stark reality of a subject that is shaped by the artistry of the
photographer.
A photo
relates facts about a subject or object.
It is special because we know what we see in the photograph actually
existed or happened. But photographs also reflect the eye and artistry of the
photographer. We appreciate a great photograph not only because of its subject,
but also because of how the photographer shot it. Composition, lighting,
angle—all influence the effect a photograph has on us. This does not change the
fact that what appears in the photograph actually existed, as the photograph
shows, at some point in time.
Taking
photographs has taught me much more than the technical aspects of working a
camera. It has taught me how to:
LOOK
Now I’m
constantly looking at the world, and my surroundings observing every detail. No
element, large or small, is overlooked with respect to how it might look in a
photograph even if I’m not currently taking one.
SEE
Looking is
not always seeing. You have to see
different angles, all sides, lighting and heights. It is essential to have an eye viewing the
object from all vantage points so you can photograph the object in the most
interesting way.
TIME
Time is not
just a measurement of getting from one place to another. For most people, it’s
about always being “on the move.” For me, as a photographer, time is spent
taking in my surroundings with a more discerning consciousness, and attempting
to look and see everything that I can at any given moment.
LIGHT
Art and photography
are borne from the proper understanding, and mastery of the use of light. A photographer must take notice of where the
light is coming from, its intensity, its frequency, its duration, and its brightness.
When you have a camera in your hand,
light becomes an integral part of your life.
DISTANCE
How the
focal point of your photograph and its subject matter is presented is a
function of not only light but distance. How far away should you stand or focus
on to get the right shot at the right time?
EXPLORING
It doesn’t
matter where you are everyday is an exploration to discover interesting and
unique things to photograph.
SECONDS
Just as
taking time to get a great shot is important, seconds are equally as important.
They can be the difference between an action and inaction. Often that great
shot is gone in a second so you have to react when you see it.
APPRECIATION
With my
camera in my hand, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation of a smile, a gesture, a
sunset, a building, a child, and the beach– and life itself more. I see things
differently, more clearly.
